OAKLAND – Stephen Curry didn’t play Friday, still sidelined with a sprained right ankle. But he still had an admirer on the court.
After the Warriors beat the Lakers, 113-106, Ball said that he looks up to Curry, a two-time MVP and a two-time NBA champion.
“I think a lot of people look up to him, both on and off the floor,” Ball said. “The way he carries himself and, obviously, how he plays. I started off as a fan, but now I’m just trying to learn as much as I can from him.”
Ball took the flattery a step further when asked what he most admires about Curry’s game.
“Personally, just the way he shoots,” Ball said. “He’s the best shooter, like I said, in the world. I think he’s the best shooter ever.”
Ball’s father, LaVar, made headlines in February after saying he thought Lonzo — then a student at UCLA — was a better basketball player than Curry. After Friday’s game, the Lakers’ point guard was asked whom he’d pick in a game of one-on-one between himself and Curry.
“I’m his son, he’s always going to pick me not matter who it’s against,” Ball said. “And I’m always going to pick myself too. I’m going to have confidence in myself. That’s how I try to play.”
Ball, the second overall pick in the NBA draft by the Lakers, has not only had to deal with the pressure of living up to lofty expectations while playing under the microscope of the Los Angeles media this season, but he’s also had to deal with the fallout that has come from his father’s boastful statements.
Despite everything, both Curry and Durant have been vocal in their support of Ball. When they were asked in November about the criticism surrounding his shot, they came to his defense. Curry said Ball is a “great talent,” adding, “Hope you didn’t judge me off my first 20 games in the league either.” Durant emphasized the fact that he’s only 19 years old, and said, “He’s playing like he should.”
Ball said that support has truly touched him.
“It means a lot,” Ball said. “Those are two of the best players in the world. And for them to recognize me like that it just motivates me to keep going.”
“Apparently he can’t shoot against anybody else, but he shoots against us,” Kerr said.
Ball helped the Lakers claw their way back from a 23-point third quarter deficit and take the lead, 89-88, with 7 minutes and 26 seconds left. Ultimately, the defending NBA champions held on to beat the youthful, talented up-and-comers.
But Durant, who worked out with Ball over the summer, took out time to let the rookie know that he sees his accomplishments.
“I just told him that I love what he’s doing,” Durant said. “Just trying to encourage him and let him know that it’s always about basketball. Don’t worry about that other stuff. It’s always coming down to the game. You can see that he’s getting better and more comfortable. I know I feel good when I see what people tell me what they see in my game, so hopefully I can provide some type of encouragement to the younger guys in the league because that’s what it’s all about.”
Ball may still be trying to live up to the hype surrounding his time. But when it comes down to it, he’s just a rookie trying to find his way in the NBA — something that both Curry and Durant can relate to.
“They’re both in my corner, and I really appreciate that,” Ball said.
